The ethnic nationalities of the South- South geo-political zone, yesterday, denounced demands for Biafra by Igbo in the South-East zone and called for an immediate cessation of pro-Biafra protests on their soil.

In a 10-point communique issued at Uyo at the end of a meeting held under the auspices of the Conference of Ethnic Nationalities of the South-South at Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, chaired by HRM, Obong (Dr) EU Ekidem, Ntisong Ibibio III, the Ntisong of Ibibio land, they dissociated the South-South zone from the “so-called Biafra.”

Representatives of Ibibio, Efik, Anang, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Ikwerre, Oro, Isoko and several other nationalities attended the summit. Among them were the interim chair of the group, HRM Ekidem, Convener of the meeting and Secretary of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILoT, Delta state, Barrister Edward Ekpoko, Albert Akpomudje, SAN (Urhobo) and president general of Ogbakor- Ikwerre in Rivers state, Prof A.M Onyeozu.

Pastor Nelson Bassey (Efik ethnic nationality), Ulap Bidiak Uloh (Oro ethnic nationality), Amechi Ogbonnia (Itsekiri), Obong Ukpong Umoh and Obong Aniedi Ndem were at the conference and signed the communique.

The South South nationalities said, “We will not allow any inch of the land of the ethnic nationalities mentioned above and other lands of the South-South to be part of the ill-thought-out enterprise.

“We call for a halt to demonstrations for Biafra on our land henceforth as it touches on the collective sensibilities of our people and could provoke ethnic crisis.

“We are not only surprised but shocked that Igbos who returned to Nigeria after the fall of Biafra in January 15, 1970 with tales of woes and horrors can talk about Biafra.”

They added: “It is in the interest of Igbos that Nigeria is protected as they have more investments outside their homeland.”

The Conference called on governors, political leaders and traditional rulers of the South-East geopolitical zone to “speak out now as their silence is becoming eloquent.” Furthermore, the South-South ethnic nationalities urged “well-meaning Igbos to call their children/wards to order to prevent an avoidable crisis.”

“We call on the law enforcement agencies to be more vigilant.

“We believe in one Nigeria and will do all within our power to protect the unity of Nigeria,” they stated.

Itsekiri, Warri territories not Biafra—INYC
In tandem with the communiqué issued in Uyo, President of the Itsekiri National Youth Congress, INYC, Esimaje Awani in a statement in Warri, Delta State, yesterday, warned that “Itsekiri and its territories should not be included in any IPOB or Biafran plan.”

He stated that Itsekiri were an indigenous ethnic group of Nigeria’s Niger Delta region of Delta State presently resident in the Warri South, Warri North and Warri South West Local Government Areas bordering the Atlantic Coast of Nigeria as their homeland with their only neighbours being the Bini to the North, the Ijaw to the South, the Urhobo to the East and the Yoruba of Ondo State to the Northwest.

Awani noted that from about 1490 – 1884, the Itsekiri had an independent political kingdom known as Warri Kingdom that was not subordinate to any of the World Powers in Europe or any African Kingdom, adding that it was in 1894 when the Niger Coast Protectorate was established that it came under the protection of Her Britannic Majesty vide the Treaty of 1884.

According to him, by another Treaty of 1894, the Itsekiri remained under the British until the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria was created and in 1914, without consultation with the Itsekiri people, Lord Lugard decreed Nigeria into existence and made Warri Kingdom (Itsekiri homeland) part of this enterprise.

He said by the map of The Republic of Biafra of May 1967, Edo and Delta states of Nigeria was never envisioned as a part of Biafra by the legendary Chukwuemeka Dim Ojukwu, saying that the current inclusion of present Delta State, including the Itsekiri National territories of Warri Kingdom without due consultation is preposterous, totally unacceptable and ultimately invalid.

“IPOB and Biafra have their rights of agitation for freedom of self determination as enshrined in the United Nations declaration, but other minority ethnic groups not duly consulted and their approval secured should not be dragged along to avoid the mistake that led to the civil war.

“The magnanimity of Itsekiri in allowing Igbos celebrate the Igbo Cultural Day in our land should not be taken for granted as we urge IPOB to de-list Itsekiri territories and Warri areas from its proposed map,” he said.

Blue3k:
All these SS or no SS threads are pointless. Nobody going to force anyone to join. Everyone gets option through referendum. I don't see why nairaland wants to argue about this to infinity. We don't even know if how popular idea is in reality. There's not much data to go on except wor around town.

biaframustcome:
Stockholm syndrome

feelings of trust or affection felt in many cases of kidnapping or hostage-taking by a victim towards a captor.

prince9851:
no wonder u wowo like this

fratermathy:


Was that really needed?

prince9851:
What are they saying?
I'm from ogba in Rivers SS and I support Biafra

prince9851:
u know wat am saying is true
And besides, this is 2015 news written by a Yoruba man

prince9851:
@op this is old news..november 2015.

Seriously?? Mtchew

prince9851:
u know wat am saying is true
And besides, this is 2015 news written by a Yoruba man

By Emma Amaize, Emeka Mamah, Innocent Anaba, Anayo Okoli, Nwabueze Okonkwo, Francis Igata & Chimaobi Nwaiwu

prince9851:
@op this is old news..november 2015.

Seriously?? Mtchew

fratermathy:


Your leaders are the ones who said they don't support Biafra. Take up your issues with them.

I'd suggest you call for a town-hall meeting and tender your love for Biafra there and then.

After all, we all have a right to self-determination and [b]if the majority says they need something, NO ONE CAN STOP THEM. [/b]Saying you need something when that sentiment has not been expressed by the bulk of your ethnicity/group, is strictly a personal opinion. Personal opinions, however, should be respected even when reminding the opinionated speaker that until the bulk of the group advocates for the cause he speaks for through official statements, public calls, and other forms of mass participation, whatever he says remains HIS opinion.

prince9851:
@op this is old news..november 2015.

By Emma Amaize, Emeka Mamah, Innocent Anaba, Anayo Okoli, Nwabueze Okonkwo, Francis Igata & Chimaobi Nwaiwu

Amberon:
Ok

prince9851:
which majority...how have they said it?
The only majority can say they need something is through referendum ...rant from bow till tomorrow, referendum must be conducted, every single individual has right to choose wat he wants tru voting

All this ur NL rants na or bizness

fratermathy:


I suggest you be the Referendum Resident Electoral Commissioner of your ethnic nationality, on behalf of IPOB.

That is your palaver, not mine!

fratermathy:


I suggest you be the Referendum Resident Electoral Commissioner of your ethnic nationality, on behalf of IPOB.

That is your palaver, not mine!

Amberon:
Ok

mr1759:
Hausa/Fulani sponsor publication.

SS want to also leave don't be deceived

prince9851:
@op this is old news..november 2015.

Seriously?? Mtchew